Arrest made in murder of woman along Pinellas Trail, robbery apparent motive

Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

An arrest was made in the murder of a woman whose body was found along the Pinellas Trail.

Clearwater Police arrested Dewayne Xavier Jones, 18, on a first-degree murder charge in the death of 41-year-old Lydia Tross. Jones is being held in the Pinellas County Jail without bond. Police believe the motive was robbery, but have not released the woman's cause of death.

Tross went missing last week and her body was found Saturday along the trail. Tross lived in the Highland Apartments with her boyfriend, about two miles from where she was found.

We are told Jones has a lengthy juvenile arrest record, even run-ins since his 18th birthday in June.

Police say that he likely encountered Tross along the trail after she went out for a walk last Tuesday.

Police say a family member of Jones came forward to police after finding property belonging to Tross in the teen's possession.

"Family member of Mr. Jones discovered the wallet in his possession at the residence and brought him to the police department..." said Police Chief Daniel Slaughter.

"Was it his dad that turned him in?" I asked, trying to clarify.

"A family member," the chief responded.

The teenager is now charged with first degree murder.

His family members have told reporters that they are "in shock" and that their "heart goes out to the victim."

Investigators said other charges are pending in this case, which they won't discuss because they're still building a case against Jones.

Friends said on Tross' Facebook page that she often walked the Pinellas Trail as a stress release.

Anyone with information in the case is urged to call Clearwater Police at 727-562-4242 or email the department at: tips@myclearwater.com.

Copyright 2014 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.